May 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 351 - 400 of 527
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List; Amendments to the Select Agent and Toxin Regulations; Technical Amendment
In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2012, we amended and republished the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products; reorganized the list of select agents and toxins based on the relative potential of each select agent or toxin to be misused to adversely affect human, plant, or animal health; and amended the regulations in order to add definitions and clarify language concerning security, training, biosafety, biocontainment, and incident response. In that final rule we neglected to precisely align all of our regulatory language with that used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their regulations and, in some cases, did not align our language in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations concerning plant health and plant products with that concerning animal health and animal products. As APHIS co-administers the select agent regulations with CDC, this document corrects inconsistencies in language between APHIS and CDC regulations. We are also correcting an improper term used in those sections of the regulations associated with identification of a viral strain or subspecies that is excluded from the requirements of the regulations, modifying the terms used when a select toxin is excluded from the regulations, clarifying those parts of the regulations that deal with temporary exemptions granted during periods of agricultural or public health emergencies, and adding language to specify that individuals not approved for access to registered space for activities not related to select agents or toxins (e.g., routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs) would not have to be continuously escorted by an approved individual so long as those non-approved persons would not be able to gain access to select agents or toxins.
Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins; Biennial Review, Technical Amendment
In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2012, we amended and republished the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety; reorganized the list of select agents and toxins based on the relative potential of each select agent or toxin to be misused to adversely affect human health (designation of Tier 1); and amended the regulations in order to add definitions and clarify language concerning security, training, biosafety, biocontainment, and incident response. In that final rule, all of our regulatory language was not precisely aligned with that used by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in their parallel select agent regulations published on the same day in the Federal Register. This document corrects inconsistencies in language between the HHS/CDC and USDA/APHIS regulations. We are also correcting an improper term used in those sections of the regulations associated with identification of a viral strain or subspecies that is excluded from the requirements of the regulations, modifying the terms used when a select toxin is excluded from the regulations, clarifying those parts of the regulations that deal with temporary exemptions granted during periods of public health or agricultural emergencies, and adding language to specify that individuals not approved for unescorted access to registered space for activities not related to select agents or toxins (e.g., routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs) would not have to be continuously escorted by an approved individual so long as those non-approved persons would not be able to gain access to select agents or toxins.
Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses
The Department of Homeland Security proposes to extend the availability of employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants. The extension would be limited to H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants who are in the process of seeking lawful permanent resident status through employment. This population will include those H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants if the H-1B nonimmigrants are either the beneficiaries of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) or who have been granted an extension of their authorized period of admission in the United States under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty- first Century Act of 2000 (AC21), as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. This regulatory change would lessen any potential economic burden to the H-1B principal and H-4 dependent spouse during the transition from nonimmigrant to lawful permanent resident status, furthering the goals of attracting and retaining high-skilled foreign workers.
Enhancing Opportunities for H-1B1, CW-1, and E-3 Nonimmigrants and EB-1 Immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to update the regulations to include nonimmigrant high-skilled specialty occupation professionals from Chile and Singapore (H-1B1) and from Australia (E-3) in the list of classes of aliens authorized for employment incident to status with a specific employer, to clarify that H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants are allowed to work without having to separately apply to DHS for employment authorization. DHS also is proposing to provide authorization for continued employment with the same employer if the employer has timely-filed for an extension of the nonimmigrant's stay. DHS also proposes this same continued work authorization for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrants if a Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, Form I- 129CW, is timely filed to apply for an extension of stay. In addition, DHS is proposing to update the regulations describing the filing procedures for extensions of stay and change of status requests to include the principal E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrant classifications. These changes would harmonize the regulations for E-3, H-1B1, and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications with the existing regulations for other, similarly situated nonimmigrant classifications. Finally, DHS is proposing to expand the current list of evidentiary criteria for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers to allow the submission of evidence comparable to the other forms of evidence already listed in the regulations. This proposal would harmonize the regulations for EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers with other employment-based immigrant categories that already allow for submission of comparable evidence. DHS is proposing these changes to the regulations to benefit these highly skilled workers and CW-1 transitional workers by removing unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions To Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction; Part II
This final rule reforms Medicare regulations that CMS has identified as unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome on health care providers and suppliers, as well as certain regulations under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). This final rule also increases the ability of health care professionals to devote resources to improving patient care, by eliminating or reducing requirements that impede quality patient care or that divert resources away from providing high quality patient care. We are issuing this rule to achieve regulatory reforms under Executive Order 13563 on improving regulation and regulatory review and the Department's plan for retrospective review of existing rules. This is the latest in a series of rules developed by CMS over the last 5 years to reform existing rules to reduce unnecessary costs and increase flexibility for health care providers.
Enhancing Protections Afforded Customers and Customer Funds Held by Futures Commission Merchants and Derivatives Clearing Organizations; Correction
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``Commission'' or ``CFTC'') is correcting final rules published in the Federal Register of November 14, 2013 (78 FR 68506). Those rules, 17 CFR Parts 1, 3, 22, 30, and 140, took effect on January 13, 2014. This correction amends Appendix B to 17 CFR 1.20 and Appendix B to 17 CFR 1.26 by removing a phrase from both appendices.
Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat; Implementing Changes to the Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), propose to amend portions of our regulations, which implements the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our regulation clarifies, interprets, and implements portions of the Act concerning the procedures and criteria used for adding species to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants and designating and revising critical habitat. Specifically, we propose to amend portions of our regulations that clarify procedures for designating and revising critical habitat. The proposed amendments would make minor edits to the scope and purpose, add and remove some definitions, and clarify the criteria for designating critical habitat. These proposed amendments are based on the Services' review of the regulations and are intended to add clarity for the public, clarify expectations regarding critical habitat and provide for a credible, predictable, and simplified critical-habitat-designation process. Finally, the proposed amendments are also part of the Services' response to Executive Order 13563 (January 18, 2011), which directs agencies to review their existing regulations and, among other things, modify or streamline them in accordance with what has been learned.
Interagency Cooperation-Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended; Definition of Destruction or Adverse Modification of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we'') propose to amend our regulations, which implements the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our regulation establishes the procedural regulations governing interagency cooperation under section 7 of the Act. The Act requires Federal agencies, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, to insure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. In 1986, the Services established a definition for ``destruction or adverse modification'' (Sec. 402.02) that was found to be invalid by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth (2001) and Ninth (2004) Circuits. We propose to amend our regulations to replace the invalidated definition with one that is consistent with the Act and the circuit court opinions. Finally, the proposed amendment is part of the Services' response to Section 6 of Executive Order 13563 (January 18, 2011), which directs agencies to analyze their existing regulations and, among other things, modify or streamline them in accordance with what has been learned.
Medicare and State Health Care Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Revisions to the Office of Inspector General's Civil Monetary Penalty Rules
This proposed rule would amend the civil monetary penalty (CMP or penalty) rules of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to incorporate new CMP authorities, clarify existing authorities, and reorganize regulations on civil money penalties, assessments and exclusions to improve readability and clarity.
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop Engines
We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PT6A-114 and PT6A-114A turboprop engines. The NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of compressor turbine (CT) blades, and the removal from service of blades that fail inspection. The NPRM was prompted by several incidents of CT blade failure, causing power loss and in-flight shutdown of the engine resulting in four fatalities. This action revises the NPRM by adding a mandatory terminating action. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent failure of CT blades, which could lead to damage to the engine and damage to the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on this proposed change.
Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products
On June 10, 2013, EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register entitled ``Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Composite Wood Products.'' On April 8, 2014, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing a public meeting and reopening the comment period for 30 days for comments related to the treatment of laminated products under the proposed rule. Based on requests from the public, EPA extended the public comment period. On May 6, 2014, EPA posted a memorandum in the docket for this proposed rule. That memorandum ensured that the docket would remain open until the announcement of the extension of the public comment period, which was set to end on May 8, 2014, could be published in the Federal Register. On May 6, 2014, an Agency-compiled list of stakeholders was notified of the extension of the comment period via email. This document announces the extension of the comment period until May 26, 2014.
Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Open Teleconference/Webinar for the Commercial and Industrial Pumps Working Group
This document announces an open teleconference/webinar of the Commercial and Industrial Pumps Working Group (Pumps Working Group). The purpose of the Pumps Working Group is to discuss and, if possible, reach consensus on a proposed rule for the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial pumps, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended.
Reduction of Fees for Trademark Applications and Renewals
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``Office'' or ``USPTO'') proposes reducing certain trademark fees, as authorized by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (``AIA'' or ``Act''). The proposed reductions will reduce total trademark fee collections and promote efficiency for the USPTO and customers. The proposals also will further USPTO strategic objectives to increase the end-to-end electronic processing of trademark applications by offering additional electronic application processing options and promoting online filing, electronic file management, and workflow.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2014
NMFS proposes management measures for the 2014 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. The implementing regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to publish recreational measures for the fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of these measures is to prevent overfishing of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass resources.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedure for Portable Air Conditioners
In a notice of proposed determination (NOPD) published on July 5, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) tentatively determined that portable air conditioners (ACs) qualify as a covered product under Part B of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. To assist in a final determination and to consider approaches for a future DOE test procedure for these products, should DOE determine that portable ACs are covered products, DOE conducted investigative testing to evaluate industry test procedures that could be used to measure cooling capacity and energy use for portable ACs. In today's notice, DOE discusses various industry test procedures and presents results from its investigative testing that evaluated existing methodologies and alternate approaches adapted from these methodologies for portable ACs. DOE requests comment and additional information regarding the testing and results presented in this NODA. DOE also encourages interested parties to provide comment on any alternate approaches for testing portable ACs and information that may improve the analysis.
Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Open Teleconference/Webinar
This notice announces a meeting of the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC). The Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, 86 Stat. 770, requires that agencies publish notice of an advisory committee meeting in the Federal Register.
Amendments and Correction to Petitions for Waiver and Interim Waiver for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment
In this final rule, DOE amends portions of its regulations governing petitions for waiver and interim waiver from DOE test procedures to restore, with minor amendments, text inadvertently omitted in the March 7, 2011 certification, compliance, and enforcement final rule. Additionally, the rule adopts a process by which other manufacturers of a product employing a specific technology or characteristic, for which DOE has granted a waiver to another manufacturer for a product employing that particular technology, would be required to petition for a waiver. The rule also sets forth a process for manufacturers to request rescission or modification of a waiver if they determine that the waiver is no longer needed, or for other appropriate reasons; adopts other minor modifications to the waiver provisions for both consumer products and industrial equipment; and clarifies certain aspects related to the submission and processing of a waiver petition.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2006- 0707, for certain A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). AD 2006-0707 requires modifying nine bolt holes in the vertical flange of the center spar sealing angles. Since we issued AD 2006-0707, we have received reports that fatigue and damage tolerance analyses show that the inspection threshold and interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks. This proposed AD would continue to require modification of bolt holes in the vertical flange of the center spar sealing angles, and any applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD would also require inspections for cracks, a modification by cold expansion of the center spar sealing angles, replacement of both sealing angles and cold expansion of the attachment holes if necessary, and post-repair repetitive inspections and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent crack formation in the sealing angles, which could rupture the sealing angle and lead to subsequent crack formation in the bottom skin of the wing, and result in reduced structural integrity of the center spar section of the wing.
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hereby amends a proposed rule published on June 14, 2013. The June 14, 2013 proposed rule sought to expand the boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS or sanctuary) and revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation. This rule focuses specifically on modifying the proposed boundary of the sanctuary, addressing questions and concerns on ballasting operations within the proposed expansion area, and clarifying the correlation between TBNMS regulations and Indian tribal fishing activities. NOAA is soliciting public comment only on the amendments in this proposed rule. Previously submitted public comments need not be resubmitted.
Section 67 Limitations on Estates or Trusts
This document contains final regulations that provide guidance on which costs incurred by estates or trusts other than grantor trusts (non-grantor trusts) are subject to the 2-percent floor for miscellaneous itemized deductions under section 67(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations affect estates and non-grantor trusts.
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities
In this final rule, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is issuing Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (the Act or the Age Act) regulations. These regulations implement provisions of the Act and the general, government-wide age discrimination regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These regulations are designed to guide the actions of recipients of Federal financial assistance from NEH and incorporate the basic standards set forth in the general, government-wide regulations for determining what constitutes age discrimination. These regulations also discuss the responsibilities of NEH recipients and the investigations, conciliation, and enforcement procedures NEH has been using and will continue to use to ensure compliance with the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse With Special Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the locations and dates of public hearings to receive public comments on the October 28, 2013, proposed listing, critical habitat designation, and special rule for the bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).
Special Local Regulation; Annual Events on the Maumee River
The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations by adding two Special Local Regulations within the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone on the Maumee River, Toledo, Ohio. These special local regulated areas are necessary to protect spectators, participants, and vessels from the hazards associated with these races. These regulations are intended to regulate vessel movement in portions of the Maumee River during the annual Dragon Boat Races and Frogtown Races.
Loan Guaranty: Ability-To-Repay Standards and Qualified Mortgage Definition Under the Truth in Lending Act
This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guaranty regulations to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, requiring that VA define the types of VA loans that are ``qualified mortgages'' for the purposes of the new Ability to Repay provisions of the Truth in Lending Act. This rule establishes which VA-guaranteed loans are to be considered ``qualified mortgages'' and have either safe harbor protection or the presumption that the borrower is able to repay a loan, in accordance with the new Ability to Repay provisions. The rule does not change VA's regulations or policies with respect to how lenders are to originate mortgages, except to the extent lenders want to make qualified mortgages.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Grand Forks, ND
This action amends Class E airspace within the Grand Forks, ND, area by amending the geographic coordinates of the Grand Forks International Airport ILS Localizer. The boundaries and operating requirements of the airspace remain the same.
Revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan; Update to the Solid Fuel Burning Devices Regulations
The EPA is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) on January 30, 2014. The SIP submission contains revisions to Washington's solid fuel burning device rules to control fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from residential wood combustion. The updated regulations reflect Washington State statutory changes made in 2012, setting revised PM2.5 trigger levels for impaired air quality burn bans and setting criteria for prohibiting solid fuel burning devices that are not certified. The submission also contains updates to the regulations to improve the clarity of the language.
Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Revise the Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PCBs in Zones 2 Through 6 of the Delaware Estuary and Bay
By Resolution No. 2013-8 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (``DRBC'' or ``Commission'') approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to establish a uniform water quality criterion of 16 picograms per liter for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Delaware Estuary and Bay, DRBC Water Quality Management Zones 2 through 6, for the protection of human health from carcinogenic effects.
Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Update Water Quality Criteria for pH
By Resolution No. 2013-9 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (``DRBC'' or ``Commission'') approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to update the Commission's stream quality objectives for pH in interstate tidal and non-tidal reaches of the main stem Delaware River.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status and Designation of Critical Habitat for Arabis georgiana (Georgia Rockcress)
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the September 12, 2013, proposed rule to list Arabis georgiana (Georgia rockcress) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act); the reopening of the public comment period on the September 12, 2013, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for A. georgiana; the amended required determinations section of the proposed rule to designate critical habitat; and the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) for the proposed designation of critical habitat. We are reopening both proposed rules' comment periods to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rules, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules.
Medicare and State Health Care Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Revisions to the Office of Inspector General's Exclusion Authorities
This proposed rule amends the regulations relating to exclusion authorities under the authority of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or the Department). The proposed rule would incorporate statutory changes, propose early reinstatement procedures, and clarify existing regulatory provisions.
Touhy Regulations
The purpose of this document is to outline the procedures by which the Millennium Challenge Corporation proposes to respond to subpoenas or other official demands for information and testimony served upon itself or its employees.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery and Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 25
NMFS proposes to approve and implement regulations for Framework Adjustment 25 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (Framework 25), which the New England Fishery Management Council adopted and submitted to NMFS for approval. Framework 25 would set specifications for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery for fishing year 2014, including days-at-sea allocations, individual fishing quotas, and sea scallop access area trip allocations. This action would also set precautionary default FY 2015 specifications, in case NMFS implements the next framework after the March 1, 2015, start of fishing year 2015, and the fishery must operate under transitional measures. Framework 25 would allow pounds that went unharvested in Closed Area I Access Area in 2012 and 2013 to be landed in a future year; develop Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic windowpane flounder accountability measures; and provide full-time scallop vessels the option to exchange their allocated Delmarva Access Area trip for 5 days-at-sea.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations concerning the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF). The proposed changes would clarify, consistent with existing regulations, that grantees must focus on providing permanent housing to eligible veteran families who, without SSVF assistance, would likely become homeless. The proposed clarifications are intended to emphasize the intended goals of SSVF. The proposed rule would expand grantees' authority to provide certain services to all very low-income veteran families, and specifically to those veteran families with significantly lower economic resources, which we would identify as extremely low-income veteran families. The purpose of this expanded authority is to address identified needs based on the administration of SSVF since its inception, and to provide greater incentive to grantees to assist these particularly vulnerable veteran families. Finally, the proposed rule would clarify that certain services are not permissible uses of SSVF funds.
Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain GROB-WERKE Models G115EG and G120A airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the left hand elevator flange. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the metal screen shield over the ignition switch may ground out the ignition terminals. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Amendment of Class D and E Airspace; Grand Forks, ND
This action amends a typographical error in the effective date of a final rule technical amendment correction published in the Federal Register of February 6, 2014, that amends Class D and E airspace in the Grand Forks, ND, area. The effective date year is corrected from February 6, 2013, to February 6, 2014.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-16-19, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-400 series airplanes. AD 2007-16-19 required repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the aft tension tie channels from body station (BS) 1120 to BS 1220 and from BS 880 to BS 1100, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2007-16-19 also provided optional terminating action. This new AD retains the existing requirements, limits the area of the detailed inspection, adds repetitive surface high-frequency eddy current inspections, and mandates the previously optional terminating action. This AD was prompted by an analysis that indicated the need to mandate the previously optional modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the tension ties, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and rapid depressurization of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-21-08 R1 for Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cases of un-commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel steering system caused by internal leakage of a steering select/bypass valve. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Special Local Regulation: Newport to Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI
The Coast Guard will enforce the Special Local Regulation for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter or remain in the regulated area except for participants in the event, supporting personnel, vessels registered with the event organizer, and personnel or vessels authorized by the Coast Guard on-scene patrol commander.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2014 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for South Atlantic Gray Triggerfish
NMFS implements accountability measures for commercial gray triggerfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by the Science and Research Director, are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) on May 12, 2014. Therefore, NMFS is closing the commercial sector for gray triggerfish in the South Atlantic EEZ on May 12, 2014, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing season, January 1, 2015. This closure is necessary to protect the gray triggerfish resource.
Ukraine-Related Sanctions Regulations
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (``OFAC'') is issuing regulations to implement Executive Order 13660 of March 6, 2014 (``Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine''), Executive Order 13661 of March 17, 2014 (``Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine''), and Executive Order 13662 of March 20, 2014 (``Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine''). OFAC intends to supplement this part 589 with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive and definitional guidance and additional general licenses and statements of licensing policy.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA): Adjustable Rate Mortgage Notification Requirements and Look-Back Period for FHA-Insured Single Family Mortgages
This rule proposes two revisions to FHA's regulations governing its single family adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) program to align FHA interest rate adjustment and notification regulations with the requirements for notifying mortgagors of ARM adjustments, as required by the regulations implementing the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), as recently revised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The first proposed amendment of this rule would require that an interest rate adjustment resulting in a corresponding change to the mortgagor's monthly payment for an ARM be based on the most recent index value available 45 days before the date of the rate adjustment. The date that the newly adjusted interest rate goes into effect is often referred to as the ``interest change date.'' The number of days prior to the interest change date on which the index value is selected is called the ``look-back period.'' FHA's current regulations provide for a 30-day look-back period. The second proposed amendment would require that the mortgagee of an FHA-insured ARM comply with the disclosure and notification requirements of the 2013 TILA Servicing Rule, including at least a 60-day but no more than 120-day advance notice of an adjustment to a mortgagor's monthly payment. FHA's current regulations provide for notification at least 25 days in advance of an adjustment to a mortgagor's monthly payment.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Florida Leafwing and Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak Butterflies
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the August 15, 2013, proposed designation of critical habitat for the Florida leafwing (Anaea troglodyta floridalis) and Bartram's scrub-hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami) butterflies under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are proposing to revise the previously proposed critical habitat for these species by including hydric pine flatwoods in their primary constituent elements and by increasing the size of the Everglades National Park Unit for each butterfly to 7,994 acres (ac) (3,235 hectares (ha)). In total, we are proposing to designate as critical habitat 10,561 ac (4,273 ha) in four units for the Florida leafwing, and 11,539 ac (4,670 ha) in seven units for the Bartram's scrub-hairstreak; all units are located within Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Florida. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) and an amended required determinations section for the proposed determination. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the revised proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Policy Implementing the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Final Rule
The Coast Guard announces the availability of ten Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs), which are the second set of a series of NVICs to implement the Final Rule that aligned Coast Guard regulations with amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and made changes to national endorsements. These NVICs will provide guidance to mariners concerning new regulations governing merchant mariner certificates and endorsements to Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC).
Medicare Program; FY 2015 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update; Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements and Process and Appeals for Part D Payment for Drugs for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Hospice
This proposed rule would update the hospice payment rates and the wage index for fiscal year (FY) 2015 and continue the phase out of the wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor (BNAF). This rule provides an update on hospice payment reform analyses and solicits comments on ``terminal illness'' and ``related conditions'' definitions, and on a process and appeals for Part D payment for drugs, while beneficiaries are under a hospice election. Also, this rule proposes timeframes for filing the notice of election and the notice of termination/revocation; adding the attending physician to the hospice election form; a requirement that hospices complete their hospice inpatient and aggregate cap determinations within 5 months after the cap year ends, and remit any overpayments; and updates for the hospice quality reporting program. In addition, this rule would provide guidance on determining hospice eligibility, information on the delay in the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), and would further clarify how hospices are to report diagnoses on hospice claims. Finally, the rule proposes to make a technical regulatory text change.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2014-2015 Marketing Year
This final rule establishes the quantity of Far West Scotch and Native spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2014-2015 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2014. The Far West includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 1,149,030 pounds and 55 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,090,821 pounds and 46 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the entity responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these quantities.
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